Hairstylists Share Their Favorite Tools Under $100

Professional tools tend to come with a pretty hefty price tag. So we’ve often wondered something: If we’re not using it to style the tresses of several glossy-haired beauties on the daily, do we really need the $300 hair dryer? Our hearts and our wallets are telling us no. But still—we are talking about our hair here, and we know our locks deserve the best. So, we asked three pros to tell which budget-friendly tools stack up against the high-priced options.

Scroll through to find out which styling steals get the stamp of approval!

Why They’re Favorites: “There are two great quality blow-dryers under $100: The Elchim 2001 can be found online for around $80, and the Twin Turbo 2800 can also be purchased for around the same amount and will literally last for years. (There are more expensive versions of both of these dryers, but the basic ones are great for home use and have much stronger airflow than regular drugstore brands.)”

Why It’s a Favorite: “The Hot Tools curling iron heats up quickly and evenly. It gets up to 450 degrees and creates smooth, long-lasting waves and curls. It has a nano-ceramic surface to prevent hair damage and has a heat loss sensor, which helps keep the iron at an even temperature during use.”

Why It’s a Favorite: “I can’t work without this comb—it’s literally like my magic wand on set—I can back-comb with it, comb out the hair with it, and delicately control flyaways around the face without having to be right in someone’s face! It’s literally cheaper than gum!”

Why It’s a Favorite: “If I had to choose an iron that gives me as many versatile looks as possible, this would be it. I can make hair curly, wavy, or even straight if I need to. The marcel feature also really helps the iron glide through the hair, as well as saves my wrist from any long-term injury!”

Why It’s a Favorite: “The Turbo Power Turbo 1500 blow-dryer is really affordable for the amount of power behind it. It’s made in Italy and is extremely durable with its shock-resistant case. It gets hot quickly and has an anti-overheating device. It dries hair super fast and efficiently, leaving you with smooth and shiny hair.”

Why It’s a Favorite: “Everyone has heard of these brushes, but the mini is the unsung (and more accessible) hero and so good for so many things. It’s hands down the most perfect size and shape to blow out bangs, gently detangle knots, back-comb for volume, distribute natural oils through the hair, and exfoliate the scalp. These are just a few of the virtues of this handcrafted wonder, and if you take care of it, it will last for years and years. In my opinion, it’s completely worth the $105 investment!”